Car Accident Attorneys in Columbia, SC

You thought it could never happen to you. But, now you may be lying in a hospital bed, unable to work, and with a totaled car. You might have injuries you never imagined. It is no secret that car crashes happen every day. Whether it is due to intoxication, distracted driving, or speeding, drivers may take careless actions that can have serious consequences for other drivers, passengers, motorcyclists, pedestrians, and more. When an auto accident destroys your life, turn to the attorneys with the experience and legal savvy to help obtain full and fair compensation from the at-fault party.

For years, Peake & Fowler has been helping car accident victims like you recover the money they need after a serious crash. We represent a wide range of clients, from motorcycle drivers to bicyclists—anyone who has been affected by the trauma of an auto accident. Our South Carolina car crash attorneys are here to help you navigate the complex legal maze of personal injury claims. The insurance company is not on your side. We are.

Common causes of auto accidents

With technology taking over drivers’ attention, new drugs hitting the market all the time, and inexperienced teenagers getting behind the wheel, potential dangers are all over the road. At Peake & Fowler, our attorneys handle many types of auto accidents, including ones caused by:

• Distracted driving. From texting to putting on makeup, drivers are constantly taking their attention away from the road. Eating, drinking, smoking, making phone calls, and changing a song on the radio are all activities that divert a driver’s eyes and focus. Despite heightened awareness campaigns and motorists who are more educated on the dangers of distracted driving, drivers still have a hard time staying off their phones when they are on the road. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) reports that on average, 9 individuals are killed each day and over 1,000 are injured in the United States because of distracted driving. And according to Safewise, South Carolina is the third deadliest state for distracted-driving related fatalities, averaging 20.5 deaths per 100,000 population.
  It may come as little surprise to learn that younger drivers are the most likely to drive while distracted, with drivers age 15 to 19 being the number one group in this category. More than 40% admit to having texted or sent an e-mail while driving during the past 30 days, and it is estimated that 60% of all teen car accidents are caused by some form of driver distraction.

• Speeding. The faster a car was going when it impacts another car, the more severe the crash. High-speed accidents can total cars and leave injury victims with life-threatening injuries, such as traumatic brain injuries, internal bleeding, and more. When someone is speeding excessively or otherwise driving recklessly, they generally have a willful and wanton disregard for following the rules and ensuring the safety of themselves and others on the road. All too often, this type of behavior results in a rear-end wreck.

• Drunk driving. Getting behind the wheel after having a few drinks can be a fatal mistake. Intoxicated drivers have slower reaction times, blurred vision, and reduced concentration. Drunk or drugged drivers are known to cause multi-car accidents, hit pedestrians or bicyclists, and even kill other drivers. A chemical impairment has different affects on different people. Some individuals drive recklessly when they are chemically impaired, while others tend to be sleepy and have slow reaction times.
• Drowsy driving. Driving while drowsy or fatigued is far more common than most people realize. In a AAA survey, more than 40% of respondents admitted to having fallen asleep behind the wheel, and more than 10% admitted to having done this during the past year. Other studies have shown similar numbers, all pointing to the fact that there are a disturbingly high number of motorists who are too tired or fatigued to be safely operating a vehicle.
  Trucking companies do not help matters any when they put undue pressure on their drivers to deliver their loads on time. They often impose unrealistic deadlines on these drivers, forcing them to choose between pulling over at a truck stop to get the sleep they need, or violating Hours of Service guidelines to keep their deliveries on schedule.
  Drowsy driving accidents that are caused by commercial truck drivers can result in far more serious injuries and higher rates of fatalities than standard auto accidents. A tractor-trailer often weighs over 80,000 pounds when it is fully loaded, which is several times heavier than an average passenger vehicle. It is no wonder that when the two vehicles collide, occupants of passenger vehicles are 28 times more likely to be seriously injured or killed in the crash.
• Aggressive/Reckless Driving. Driving aggressively or recklessly is another behavior that heightens the risk of a car crash. Excessive speeding is one example of this, and others include tailgating, weaving back and forth between lanes or over the center line, illegal and/or dangerous passing maneuvers, running stop signs and red lights, illegal turns, street racing, and many others.
• Third Parties. Third parties who are not directly involved are a contributing factor in some motor vehicle accidents. For example, some accidents occur because of poorly maintained roads with dangerous conditions such as potholes and large cracks in the pavement. Negligent maintenance is another common problem, particularly with commercial trucks and fleet vehicles that log a large number of miles on a regular basis. Finally, car crashes may be caused by faulty or defective vehicle parts. Examples include brake line failures, computer dashboard malfunctions, and tire blowouts.

How Common are Distracted Driving Accidents?

Distracted driving is quickly becoming a national epidemic, and here are some of the most disturbing statistics that underscore this fact:

• About 9 people are killed each day and more than 1,000 individuals are injured in crashes involving distracted drivers;
• More than 80% of motorists admit to distracting behavior while driving;
• In one survey, 56% of respondents admit to using their cell phones while driving;
• Distracted driving is the direct cause of nearly 60% of all crashes that involve teen drivers;
• Teenage drivers between the ages of 16 and 19 are most likely to drive while distracted;
• A teen driver with at least one additional passenger in the car is twice as likely to be involved in a fatal accident as a teen driver with no passengers;
• Car crashes are now the number one killer among teens in the US;
• Drivers are 8 times more likely to be involved in a crash when reaching for an object, and three times more likely to crash while eating or drinking when they drive;
• Distracted driving costs our society approximately $40 billion each year.

Why is Texting While Driving so Dangerous?

There are multiple forms of distracted driving:

• Visual: Any distraction that takes your eyes off of the road, such as an attractive billboard that catches your attention.
• Manual: Any distraction that causes you to take your hands off of the wheel or your feet off of the break, accelerator, or clutch, such as eating or handling a passenger.
• Auditory: Any sounds that you hear that are not related to driving, such as your car radio or someone you are talking to on your cell phone.
• Cognitive: Anything you may be thinking about other than driving, such as a topic you are talking to someone in the car about.

How Common is Drowsy Driving?

The CDC reports that an estimated one out of every 25 adult drivers admit to having fallen asleep while driving within the past 30 days. Another study by the National Sleep Foundation found that 60% of those who responded to their poll have driven while feeling sleepy within the past year, and 37% admit that they have fallen asleep at the wheel. The American Academy of Sleep Medicine says that drowsy driving costs our economy approximately $12.5 billion each year.

Types of Car Accidents:

Head-On Collisions

In recent decades, medians and other types of barriers have been installed in many urban and suburban roads to help prevent head-on auto wrecks. Despite the progress that has been made, countless undivided roads remain, particularly in rural areas.

Head-on crashes can occur because of either deliberate or inadvertent actions. Some of the most common causes include:

• Failed Passing Maneuvers: On an undivided two-lane road, it is tempting to pass a vehicle in front of you that is driving slower than you want to go. Impatience can lead to poor driving decisions, however, like trying to pass the vehicle in front of you while an oncoming car is approaching from the other direction.
• Speeding: Driving too fast, especially on an undivided, winding rural road can quickly become hazardous if you encounter an oncoming vehicle from around the bend. Speeding gives you less time to slow down and ensure that you are staying in your lane when you pass by the other car.
• Reckless Driving: Reckless driving (S.C. Code § 56-5-2920) is defined as driving in a manner that indicates “a willful or wanton disregard for the safety of persons or property.” In other words, the driver commits deliberate or unruly acts without any boundaries or limitations. In South Carolina, this is a misdemeanor offense that carries the possibility of up to 30 days in jail. But when a reckless driver’s actions cause severe injuries to others, the criminal penalties the driver is subject to provide very little comfort to injury victims and their families.
  For someone who is injured in a reckless driving car accident, the consequences can last for a lifetime. Many auto accident injuries are permanent and debilitating, requiring ongoing medical care. Victims also frequently have to miss a lot of time from work, if they are ever able to return to work at all. Add in the untold amounts of physical and emotional pain and suffering, and the extent of the damages suffered becomes very difficult to quantify.
• Inclement Weather: Poor driving conditions can lead to head-on collisions. Some examples include high winds and heavy rain. Snow and ice are not as common in South Carolina, but occasionally, temperatures drop below 32 degrees while it is raining, creating icy road conditions.
• Entering the Wrong Direction on a Freeway Ramp: As mentioned earlier, head-on crashes can be caused by a motorist who enters a freeway ramp while driving in the wrong direction or drives the wrong way down a one-way street. This type of move is usually inadvertent and tends to occur at night when it is more difficult to see the road signs.
• Mechanical Defects/Failures: Vehicles are more complexly designed than ever before. The latest models have sophisticated computer systems designed to keep us safer. The problem with these complicated systems is that, when they break down while driving, it can become a hazardous situation for occupants of the vehicle and others they share the road with.

Common Injuries that Result from Head-On Crashes

Head-on auto wrecks have a high potential for fatalities. In addition to wrongful death, these types of accidents can result in serious and catastrophic injuries, such as:

• Cuts, Bruises, and Broken Bones
• Back and Neck Injuries
• Spinal Cord Injuries
• Blunt Force Trauma
• Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI)
• Whiplash and Other Soft Tissue Injuries

Two cars colliding with each other at high speeds is not unlike the affects of crashing into a brick wall. Those involved often face a long road to recovery, if they are able to recover at all.

Damages in Head-On Collision Cases

When someone is injured in a head-on crash and it is the fault of the other driver, they are entitled to damages. Compensatory damages may be paid out for several different types of losses, including:

• Medical Bills;
• Rehabilitation Costs;
• Cost for Ongoing Medical Treatment (if the injury is permanent);
• Lost Wages;
• Loss of Earning Capacity;
• Physical Pain and Suffering;
• Psychological Distress;
• Diminished Quality of Life;
• Loss of Consortium.

Rear-End Collisions

Rear-end collisions are among the most common types of auto accidents. These accidents occur when the front end of one vehicle strikes the rear of the other vehicle. This can sometimes set off a chain reaction and cause multiple vehicles to be involved in rear-end wrecks. This scenario is especially common when there is heavy traffic on the road. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), rear-end accidents account for approximately one-third of all motor vehicle accidents. Though these types of accidents rarely cause fatalities, injuries sustained are often more serious than first believed.

At Peake & Fowler, we have several decades of combined experience representing victims of rear-end accidents and all other types of personal injuries in South Carolina. Our attorneys were born and raised here, our families are here, and we are active members of the local community. We have in-depth knowledge of South Carolina personal injury laws, and we have a strong track record of success with these types of cases. We understand what injury victims go through, and we do all we can to make the legal process smooth and seamless. This allows you to focus on your physical and emotional recovery while we seek to recover full financial compensation on your behalf.

Rear-End Wrecks

A rear-end collisions rarely result in fatalities, but serious injuries are possible. One of the most common is known as whiplash. Whiplash occurs when the neck is jolted beyond its normal range of motion, resulting in the muscles and ligaments to become strained. Whiplash can occur even when a vehicle is struck at low to moderate speeds, and this condition can sometimes result in chronic or permanent disability. When occupants of the front vehicle are struck at higher speeds, more severe injuries can occur, such as traumatic brain injury (TBI), broken bones, and many others.

Rollover Accidents

Sport Utility Vehicles (SUVs), light trucks, and vans are popular family vehicles in South Carolina, but they pose a particular risk that many owners aren’t advised of before they leave the car dealership. Because of their higher profile and center of gravity, these vehicles have a greater chance of being involved in a rollover accident.

The inherent design defect in these types of vehicles makes them less stable on the road than a standard automobile. Because of this, even a normal maneuver, such as a quick lane change or swerving to avoid an object, could trigger a dangerous rollover accident.

What Causes Rollover Accidents?

A rollover accident occurs when a vehicle is flipped either onto its side or its roof during an accident. Just by their nature, these are serious accidents that cause a massive amount of property damage and some of the most serious injuries on the road. The United States Department of Transportation (USDOT) reports that 90% of rollover accidents are caused by “tripping,” which means that the vehicle slides sideways and the tires “trip” on something, causing the car to overturn.

Some of the most common causes of rollover accidents include:

• Speeding
• Striking a curb
• Swerving and sharp turns
• Collision
• Road hazards
• Tire blowout
• Braking error
• Hazardous weather
• Vehicle design
• Car part malfunctions
• Trailer pulling accidents
• DUI

Common Rollover Accident Injuries

Most vehicles aren’t equipped to hold up in a violent rollover accident. If a car, truck or SUV has weak roof supports, the entire structure can collapse, causing catastrophic injury and even sudden death. Statistics also show that many rollover accident victims are ejected from their vehicles, also because of such things as system failures and faulty equipment. Some of the most common rollover accident injuries include:

• Traumatic brain injury
• Skull fractures
• Spinal cord injuries
• Amputations
• Paralysis
• Paraplegia and quadriplegia
• Internal injuries
• Burns
• Broken bones and crushing injuries
• Wrongful death

What should you do if you are in a car accident in South Carolina?

There are some very simple steps to take after an accident:

1. Call the police and 9-1-1.
2. Do not admit any fault to the other driver or law enforcement.
3. Go to the hospital for injury treatment, even if you feel fine in the moment.
4. Call your insurance company and report the accident.
5. Follow up with your doctors.
6. Keep all medical records and bills.

Additional things to do after a car accident:

Don’t Say Too Much to the Other Driver

After you realize that you and everyone else in your car has survived, you’ll likely feel a huge surge of relief. This may cause you to say a little too much to the other driver—in particular, apologies or other statements that accept blame for the accident. The opposite can also happen. If you are angry and full of adrenaline after the crash, you could lash out at the other driver and damage your potential claim. Try to keep the conversation minimal until the police arrive.

Stay Off of Social Media

In this day and age, it’s tempting to share everything on social media. Remember, though, the other party’s insurance company will be watching you. Posting an update on the accident on your Facebook page may seem innocent enough, until a friend comments “Nice, time for a sweet insurance payout!!” You know they’re joking and respond with a laughing emoji. The insurance company is more than willing to use that as “proof” that you are going to use the accident to scam them out of extra money. On top of that, any posts you make about your activities or work may be used by the insurance company to show that you aren’t as injured as you claim.

Don’t Rush Through the Settlement Process

This is a big risk when the other party is clearly at fault. When one party is obviously to blame for the accident, their insurance company will move quickly to get the other party to settle before they realize the extent of their injuries. If you accept their first or second offer, you’ll likely be leaving a lot of money on the table. Even worse, it’s unlikely you’ll have enough to cover your medical bills and related expenses.

Do Not Pass on Medical Care

It’s very common for injured drivers to skip out on medical care, mostly because they don’t want to get hit with a massive bill after all is said and done. However, don’t underestimate the real dangers of car accidents. It’s likely that you are more injured than you know, and you’ll need proof of medical care to link your injuries to the accident. On top of that, some injuries require immediate treatment. Whether you go in an ambulance, drive yourself to the emergency room, or go to urgent care, make sure you get a full medical workup after your accident.

Do Not Handle Your Claim Alone

It’s tempting to handle your claim with the insurance company directly—especially once the insurance company tells you that you’ll need to give a cut of your settlement to the attorney who handles your case. However, don’t make a short-sighted decision. While part of your settlement does go to your attorney, your attorney is capable of negotiating a much higher settlement than you can negotiate on your own. They understand the complexity of personal injury cases, the challenges they’ll come up against with the insurance company, and everything the insurance company will do to try to drive down the value of your claim. Once the insurance company realizes they have to negotiate with your attorney, not with you, they are far more likely to negotiate in good faith.

South Carolina is a tort liability state, which means the not-at-fault person can pursue a claim against the at-fault party. South Carolina is also a comparative negligence state, which means you can be barred from collecting for the percentage you contributed to the accident.

Please call an attorney as soon as possible or have a loved one call on your behalf. A lawyer can ensure that your rights are protected. Do not speak to insurance adjusters or accept the first settlement offer. They are not on your side. They are in the business of making money, so adjusters may offer you a settlement for less than your case is worth.

Our auto accident lawyers at Peake & Fowler accept no upfront fees, and you only owe us compensation if your claim is successful. So, it never hurts to speak with one of our attorneys. You have nothing to lose.

What Types of Compensation are Available in an Accident Injury Case?

There are two general types of compensatory damages that you can pursue in an accident injury claim:

Economic/Special Damages

These are direct economic losses that apply specifically to the injured person and can be linked directly to the accident:

• Medical Costs: All expenses associated with treating your injury and your subsequent recovery; such as the cost of the ambulance, emergency room treatment, hospitalization, surgeries and other procedures, follow-up medical appointments, physical therapy and other types of rehabilitation, and in the case of a permanent and debilitating injury, the cost of ongoing medical care.
• Lost Earnings: Getting injured in an accident often requires you to miss some time from work. You should be reimbursed for all of your lost wages for the time in which you are unable to work because of your injury. In addition, if you suffered a permanent injury that prevents you from going back to your previous job and/or participating in any other type of gainful activity, you should be reimbursed for lost earning capacity.
• Property Damage: Damage to your vehicle or any other property that occurred because of the accident. This might include necessary repairs or the replacement of a vehicle that is totaled, as well as the cost of towing a damaged vehicle and getting a rental car while you were waiting to get your vehicle back.

Noneconomic/General Damages

These are intangible losses that generally happen to all accident victims that suffer moderate to severe injuries. Examples include:

• Pain-and-Suffering: During the recovery process, you will undoubtedly experience numerous days in which the pain of the injury seems unbearable. The legal system allows you to seek damages for the pain and suffering you have to endure.
• Emotional Distress: Physical pain is not the only type of pain that is common after getting injured in an accident. There is also the anxiety, sleepless nights, and depression that is often associated with an injury like this. You should be able to recover compensation for this as well.
• Diminished Quality of Life: If the crash leaves you unable to participate in activities you once enjoyed, you can seek compensation for the decrease of quality of life that you have experienced.
• Disfigurement and Permanent Injury: If you suffer disfigurement, loss of limbs, loss of senses, permanent brain damage, and other permanent changes to your body, you can seek compensation for the ways in which these changes impact your life.

Punitive Damages

There is another category of damages that is not technically considered compensation, but it is still a monetary award that accident injury victims sometimes receive. Also known as “exemplary damages”, punitive damages are awarded in more limited cases in which the actions of the party (or parties) responsible for the accident were willful, malicious, fraudulent, or grossly negligent. The intent of this award is to punish the wrongdoer and to help serve as a deterrent against similarly egregious actions in the future.

Which Types of Auto Accidents Cause the Most Serious Injuries?

Head-On Crashes

Across the board, head-on collisions are recognized to be the deadliest type of collision. Two vehicles driving in opposite directions each have their own force, generated by the speed they’re driving and the weight of the vehicle. When these two forces meet, the impact is substantial. Head-on collisions cause quite a few fatalities and catastrophic injuries every single year.

T-Bone Collisions

T-bone crashes are also extremely dangerous, particularly for the people on the side that is struck by the other driver. These accidents almost always happen at intersections. When one party is crossing through the intersection, someone driving perpendicular to them runs a red light or stop sign, causing a crash. Unfortunately, the sides of vehicles aren’t as protected as the front and back. As a result, the people on the impacted side are at serious risk of serious or fatal injuries.

Rollovers

High-profile vehicles are at significant risk of rollover accidents. This includes vans, SUVs, and pick-up trucks. While these vehicles are more likely to be involved in rollover accidents, any vehicle can flip over.

What if you are involved in an accident with someone who doesn’t have insurance?

All drivers must be insured before hitting the road in South Carolina. This is the minimum amount of coverage required:

• $25,000 bodily injury per person
• $50,000 bodily injury per accident
• $25,000 property damage per accident

However, if you are involved in an accident with someone who is not insured, you should be protected by your uninsured motorist coverage.

In the state of South Carolina, you are required to carry uninsured motorist coverage. This means if a driver without insurance causes a collision, your policy should protect you from having to pay out-of-pocket for the damages. You must carry uninsured motorist coverage equal to the minimum amounts of liability coverage (25/50/25). In most cases, there is a $200 deductible.

If the person who caused your car accident does not have insurance, report the claim to your insurance company and your attorney.

Speak with a hard-hitting auto accident lawyer in Columbia right away

Most people do not know their rights. They don’t know how to handle negotiations with an insurance company. They are not sure how to get every penny they deserve. That is where the Columbia car accident attorneys at Peake & Fowler come in. Our tenacious legal team is ready to fight for you. Call us today at 803-788-4370 or complete our contact form to arrange your no-cost, no-obligation initial consult.